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B-SC-HONOURS in Physiology at Calcutta Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Physiology at Calcutta Girls' College Kolkata?
This B.Sc. (Honours) Physiology program at Calcutta Girls'''' College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, focuses on understanding the intricate functions and mechanisms of the human body at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. The curriculum emphasizes experimental physiology, clinical applications, and research methodologies. With India''''s growing healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, there is a consistent demand for skilled physiologists in both academic research and industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for scientifically inclined fresh graduates who have a strong foundation in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the 10+2 level. It caters to individuals passionate about understanding human biology, disease mechanisms, and wellness. Aspiring researchers, healthcare professionals, and those aiming for higher studies in biomedical sciences, medicine, or allied health fields will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in pathological laboratories, pharmaceutical companies (R&D, quality control), clinical research organizations, and academic institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong physiological foundation also prepares students for competitive exams for government research bodies or higher education like M.Sc., Ph.D., or even an MBBS bridge course.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental physiological processes (cell biology, blood, cardiovascular system). Actively participate in all practical sessions to develop essential laboratory techniques like blood grouping, ECG recording, and basic microscopy. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts regularly.
Tools & Resources
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, Ganong''''s Review of Medical Physiology, Lab manuals, practical demonstrations
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures academic success and forms the bedrock for advanced studies or entry-level lab technician roles requiring precise execution of basic physiological tests.
Develop Scientific Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving both written and oral communication through presentations, lab reports, and assignments. Actively engage in debates or discussions on scientific topics. Utilize the AECC courses to refine English communication for clear expression of scientific ideas.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Presentation tools (PowerPoint), Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Effective communication is crucial for presenting research findings, writing scientific papers, and excelling in interviews for higher education or industry positions.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize Generic Elective (GE) options to gain exposure to related fields like Biochemistry, Zoology, or Computer Science. Understanding these connections broadens perspective and can reveal new areas of interest within physiology, preparing for specialized research or career paths.
Tools & Resources
University course catalogs, Online open courses (Coursera, NPTEL) related to GE subjects
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge enhances problem-solving skills and opens doors to emerging fields like computational physiology or biomedical engineering, highly valued in modern Indian industries.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Skill Enhancement and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-4)
Choose Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) wisely, focusing on practical skills like clinical biochemistry, instrumentation, or biostatistics. Actively participate in workshops on data analysis software or research methodology. This builds hands-on expertise vital for research and diagnostic roles.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (R, SPSS, Excel), Scientific calculator, Online tutorials for SEC topics
Career Connection
Proficiency in these skills makes you highly employable in clinical research, pathology labs, and R&D divisions of pharmaceutical companies in India.
Seek Mentorship and Attend Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Connect with faculty members for research project guidance or career advice. Attend departmental seminars, webinars, and guest lectures to stay updated on current research trends and network with experts in the field. Look for opportunities to volunteer in college-level research activities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Professional body events (e.g., Physiological Society of India, Indian Science Congress)
Career Connection
Mentorship provides invaluable career direction, while networking can open doors to internships, research collaborations, and job opportunities.
Participate in Academic Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Join physiology-related quizzes, poster presentations, or scientific paper writing competitions at college or inter-college levels. This hones critical thinking, presentation skills, and the ability to articulate complex physiological concepts under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Access to scientific journals, Presentation design software
Career Connection
Such participation builds confidence and a strong resume, demonstrating initiative and expertise to prospective employers or postgraduate admission committees.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs)- (Semester 5-6)
Carefully select DSE papers aligned with your career aspirations (e.g., Clinical Physiology, Sports Physiology, Molecular Immunology). Dive deep into the chosen area, performing advanced practicals and critically analyzing research papers. Consider pursuing a small research project under faculty supervision.
Tools & Resources
Advanced textbooks for DSE topics, Research databases (PubMed, Google Scholar)
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a strong candidate for targeted roles in healthcare, research, or academia, aligning your profile with specific industry needs and offering a competitive edge.
Prepare for Higher Education and Career Entry- (Semester 5-6)
For those pursuing postgraduate studies, begin preparing for entrance exams like NET/SET or university-specific tests. For immediate employment, work on resume building, interview skills, and soft skills development. Look for internships in hospitals, diagnostic centers, or pharma companies.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview platforms, Job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Proactive preparation ensures a smooth transition to either advanced academic pursuits or immediate entry into relevant professional roles.
Network Professionally and Seek Placements- (Semester 5-6)
Attend career fairs, industry conferences, and workshops specifically targeting life sciences or healthcare. Connect with alumni working in relevant fields for insights and potential job leads. Actively apply for placement opportunities through the college''''s placement cell or directly to companies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, College placement cell
Career Connection
Strong professional networks are invaluable for discovering job opportunities, mentorship, and long-term career growth in India''''s competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English. Minimum 50% aggregate marks and 45% marks in the subject (Physiology) OR 55% marks in the subject (Physiology) alone.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYA-CC1 | Human Physiology I (Cell Biology & Biophysics) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Cell Structure and Functions, Biomolecules and Metabolism, Biological Membranes, Enzymes and Bioenergetics, Cellular Communication |
| PHYA-CC2 | Human Physiology II (Blood, Cardiovascular System & Respiration) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Composition and Functions of Blood, Cardiac Cycle and ECG, Blood Pressure Regulation, Pulmonary Ventilation, Gas Exchange and Transport |
| GE1 | Generic Elective - I | Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Students choose one GE paper from other science disciplines offered by the college (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronic Science, Environmental Science, Food & Nutrition, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Zoology). Key topics will vary based on choice. |
| AECC1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Policies and Practices |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYA-CC3 | Human Physiology III (Digestion, Nutrition & Metabolism) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Digestion and Absorption of Nutrients, Nutritional Requirements, Metabolism of Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins, Vitamins and Minerals, Energy Balance and Regulation |
| PHYA-CC4 | Human Physiology IV (Excretion & Body Fluid Homeostasis) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Structure and Function of Kidney, Urine Formation, Regulation of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid-Base Balance, Renal Disorders |
| GE2 | Generic Elective - II | Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Students choose one GE paper from other science disciplines offered by the college (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronic Science, Environmental Science, Food & Nutrition, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Zoology). Key topics will vary based on choice. |
| AECC2 | English Communication / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Introduction to Communication, Language of Communication, Writing Skills, Oral Communication, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYA-CC5 | Human Physiology V (Nervous System) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Organization of Nervous System, Neural Transmission, Sensory and Motor Pathways, Autonomic Nervous System, Higher Functions of Brain |
| PHYA-CC6 | Human Physiology VI (Special Senses & Endocrine System) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Physiology of Vision and Hearing, Taste and Smell, Endocrine Glands and Hormones, Mechanism of Hormone Action, Regulation of Hormone Secretion |
| PHYA-CC7 | Human Physiology VII (Reproduction & Development) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Male and Female Reproductive Systems, Gametogenesis and Fertilization, Pregnancy and Lactation, Growth and Development, Reproductive Disorders |
| GE3 | Generic Elective - III | Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Students choose one GE paper from other science disciplines offered by the college (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronic Science, Environmental Science, Food & Nutrition, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Zoology). Key topics will vary based on choice. |
| SEC1 (Option 1) | Clinical Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry, Blood Glucose Estimation, Liver Function Tests, Renal Function Tests, Basic Hematology, Urine Analysis |
| SEC1 (Option 2) | Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Principles of Scientific Research, Experimental Design, Data Collection Methods, Measures of Central Tendency, Probability and Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Softwares |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYA-CC8 | Human Physiology VIII (Muscle Physiology & Exercise Physiology) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Skeletal Muscle Contraction, Smooth and Cardiac Muscles, Energy Metabolism during Exercise, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Responses to Exercise, Training and Adaptations |
| PHYA-CC9 | Human Physiology IX (Immunology) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Components of Immune System, Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigen-Antibody Reactions, Hypersensitivity and Autoimmunity, Vaccination and Immunization |
| PHYA-CC10 | Human Physiology X (Neurophysiology) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Neuronal Communication, Synaptic Transmission, Organization of Sensory Systems, Motor Control, Plasticity and Learning |
| GE4 | Generic Elective - IV | Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Students choose one GE paper from other science disciplines offered by the college (e.g., Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronic Science, Environmental Science, Food & Nutrition, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Zoology). Key topics will vary based on choice. |
| SEC2 (Option 1) | Instrumentation & Animal Cell Culture | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Microscopy Techniques, Spectrophotometry and Chromatography, Electrophoresis, Principles of Animal Cell Culture, Aseptic Techniques, Cell Viability Assays |
| SEC2 (Option 2) | Bioinformatics & Computational Biology | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Bioinformatics, Biological Databases, Sequence Alignment, Phylogenetic Analysis, Protein Structure Prediction, Drug Designing Principles |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYA-CC11 | Human Physiology XI (Advanced Endocrinology & Metabolic Regulation) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Hormonal Control of Growth and Development, Reproductive Endocrinology, Calcium and Phosphate Homeostasis, Thyroid and Adrenal Hormones, Metabolic Disorders (Diabetes) |
| PHYA-CC12 | Human Physiology XII (Advanced Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Regulation of Cardiac Output, Microcirculation and Lymphatics, Control of Respiration, Pulmonary Function Tests, High Altitude Physiology |
| DSE1 (Option 1) | Clinical Physiology | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Principles of Clinical Diagnosis, Physiological Basis of Disease, Diagnostic Techniques (ECG, Spirometry), Interpretation of Clinical Reports, Pharmacological Interventions |
| DSE1 (Option 2) | Advanced Developmental Physiology | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Cellular Basis of Development, Gametogenesis and Fertilization, Early Embryonic Development, Organogenesis, Genetics of Development |
| DSE2 (Option 1) | Sports Physiology | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Physiological Basis of Physical Fitness, Exercise Metabolism, Cardiorespiratory Adaptations to Training, Ergogenic Aids, Fatigue and Recovery |
| DSE2 (Option 2) | Nutritional Physiology & Dietetics | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Macronutrients and Micronutrients, Dietary Guidelines, Nutritional Assessment, Diet Planning for Specific Conditions, Food Processing and Preservation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYA-CC13 | Human Physiology XIII (Advanced Renal & Gastrointestinal Physiology) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Renal Blood Flow and Glomerular Filtration, Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion, Hormonal Control of Renal Function, Control of Gastrointestinal Motility, Digestion and Absorption Disorders |
| PHYA-CC14 | Human Physiology XIV (Cellular and Molecular Physiology) | Core Theory + Practical | 6 | Membrane Transport Mechanisms, Intracellular Signaling Pathways, Apoptosis and Necrosis, Gene Expression and Regulation, Molecular Basis of Disease |
| DSE3 (Option 1) | Industrial Physiology & Ergonomics | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Work Physiology, Fatigue and Recovery in Industry, Environmental Stressors (Heat, Cold, Noise), Principles of Ergonomics, Workplace Design and Safety |
| DSE3 (Option 2) | Molecular Immunology | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Antigen Processing and Presentation, T-Cell and B-Cell Activation, Cytokines and Chemokines, MHC Genes and Disease, Immunological Techniques |
| DSE4 (Option 1) | Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Types of Stem Cells, Stem Cell Niche, Pluripotency and Differentiation, Therapeutic Applications of Stem Cells, Ethical Considerations |
| DSE4 (Option 2) | Genetic Basis of Health & Disease | Discipline Specific Elective Theory + Practical | 6 | Basic Principles of Genetics, Inheritance Patterns, Chromosomal Abnormalities, Molecular Basis of Genetic Disorders, Genetic Counseling and Therapy |
